Summary

This book aims to enable parents in trilingual families to consider possible language strategies on the basis of analysing their individual circumstances. It includes a tool for diagnostic self-analysis that will help each reader to identify their situation and learn how parents in similar situations have approached the task of supporting their children’s use of languages. Based on a unique survey of parents in trilingual families in two European countries, the book highlights the challenges that trilingual families face when living in mainly monolingual societies. It takes into account the recent emergence of a 'New Trilingualism' among educated parents who find themselves in trilingual families because of global trends in migration and the recent expansion of the EU.

Review:

Through their interviews with trilingual families in the UK and Germany, the authors present a complex and multifaceted reality of the various beliefs and language practices of trilingual families. This unique book shows that there is no single pathway to becoming trilingual and that trilingualism is a dynamic process that constantly adapts to evolving circumstances.

- Xiao-lei Wang, Pace University, USA

This book is an exceptional read for trilingual families everywhere! It begins with an overview of trilingualism as well as research on trilingualism but then goes much deeper, examining the differences between bilingualism and trilingualism as well as the special challenges that trilingual families everywhere face. The authors emphasize that not all trilingual families share the same challenges and from there delve into the main focus of the book: providing readers with specific guidance based on their own unique language backgrounds. The authors do this exceedingly well, outlining three categories for which they provide detailed and thorough roadmaps. This book is an enjoyable read, packed with down-to-earth tips, interviews with successful trilingual families and research to back up the benefits of trilingualism. Every trilingual family should have this book on hand.

- Corey Heller, founder of Multilingual Living

It is an invaluable manual for trilingual parents; it could help them to choose strategies and methods for maintaining trilingualism in their children. The tips that are offered to the parents are practical and helpful.

Author Biography:

Andreas Braun is Research Fellow at the Centre for Research in Primary and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire. He earned his doctorate in 2007 and is a member of the International Association of Multilingualism. During his research career, he has published journal articles and book chapters focusing on language practices of trilingual families with children, incomplete acquisition of heritage languages, education and multiculturalism.

Tony Cline is Co-Director of the CPD Doctorate in Educational Psychology, University College London. His research interests include the education of bilingual children, selective mutism, literacy learning difficulties of bilingual pupils, the education of minority ethnic children in mainly white schools and child language brokering at school.

Readership Level:

General, Research / Professional

Biographical Notes

Description

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Table of Contents

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